Minister for Sport to represent Australian Government in Tokyo

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck will travel to Tokyo as a representative of the Commonwealth ahead of the IOC decision regarding the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The trip represents an important opportunity across both his portfolios.
“This is an exciting time for Australian sport – securing the 2032 Games for Brisbane and Queensland will ensure Australia’s momentum as a host of international sporting events is maintained for years to come,” Minister Colbeck said.
“We know what this means for sport fans and our aspiring athletes but economically it represents a boost to the tune of billions of dollars and will provide a framework to help the Sunshine State – and the rest of Australia – as we navigate our way out of the pandemic.
“The economic and social benefits is estimated at around $8.1 billion for Queensland and $17.6 billion for Australia.
“The 2032 Games are projected to create some 120,000 jobs for Australia, including 90,000 jobs for Queensland.
“The successful bid will also reinforce the work that has been achieved so far by all bid partners and highlights what can be achieved when all levels of government work together and provide an aspirational target for a generation of young Australians watching the 2020 Games.”
Minister Colbeck said given the challenges faced by our elite athletes over the last two years – showing our support has never been so important.
“This will be an Olympics like we have never seen before.
“Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are ready to make their mark on the world stage and Australians everywhere are ready to cheer them on.”
In addition to his formal role, Minister Colbeck also plans to meet with his Japanese counterparts in aged care.
This will be a significant opportunity to discuss the strategies of both nations in combating the pandemic across the aged care sector.
The Minister will quarantine as per requirements of all travellers returning to Australia.
He is due to receive his second AstraZeneca vaccination next week.

Online learning to help keep senior Australians safe from sexual abuse

The Morrison Government is partnering with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for an online learning package aimed at helping aged care providers and health professionals prevent, identify, and respond to sexual abuse.
Funded via a $168,000 grant from the Australian Government, OPAN is working with leading researcher Dr Catherine Barrett to develop Abuse of the older person: eLearning program for health professionals.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said it was an important contribution to reinforce the safety of those we care for most.
“Assaults on the elderly – in any form – are deplorable,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These incidents were underlined in the findings of the Royal Commission into Age Care Quality and Safety and the Morrison Government is more determined than ever to ensure those in care are treated with respect and dignity.”
OPAN’s online program, which will consist of 33 online learning modules, will also be aimed at health and allied health workers, such as GPs and optometrists, who may be the only people some senior Australians confide in if they are assaulted.
Dr Barrett will also launch a #ReadyToListen social media campaign to encourage senior Australians and their families to report sexual assault.
Minister Colbeck said the initiative would complement the Government’s $17.7 billion response to the Royal Commission.
“One of the five pillars of our comprehensive response is a $942 million investment in driving systemic improvements to residential quality and safety, and the learning package is certainly consistent with that objective,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I welcome this initiative as a positive step towards building the skills and capacity of aged care providers to better identify, prevent and respond to sexual assault.”
He said the Government’s Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is another key part of providing greater protections to consumers.
SIRS for residential aged care, including flexible care in a residential aged care setting, started on 1 April 2021.
It will be expanded into aged care home services from 1 July, 2022.
Minister Colbeck said the SIRS expands the responsibilities of aged care providers in relation to identifying, recording, managing, resolving and reporting assaults and a broader range of serious incidents in residential aged care.
“Combined with the vital programs implemented by OPAN, we continue to reinforce the protections for older Australians, ensuring peace-of-mind for those receiving care and their families.”

City welcomes historic State of Origin game for Newcastle

In a huge coup for the city, Newcastle will host its first rugby league State of Origin game, with the third and final match of the 2021 series to take place at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday 14 July.
The decision means Newcastle will be the centre of the rugby league universe for an estimated 2.5 million Australians who are expected to tune in for the final game of the 2021 Origin season.
One of the rugby league’s showpiece calendar events, game three of the Origin series will reinforce Newcastle as an emerging major-event city.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was a clear choice for the NRL to host a State of Origin outside of Sydney on the back of successful events like this year’s World Surf League Newcastle Cup and the recent SAANZAR International Rugby Championship, both held as COVID Safe major events.
“Newcastle has shown time and time again that it’s an outstanding host city for major events thanks to the support of this Council, the professionalism of local providers and the passion of Novocastrians for sport, music and the arts,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle has a strategic focus on attracting and retaining major events as they stimulate the local economy, attract visitors, provide recreational opportunities for locals and enhance our position as a truly global city.
“Rugby league is part of Newcastle’s history and social fabric, which is why a State of Origin played right here at McDonald Jones Stadium is a big win for locals.
“While the series has been wrapped up by the Blues, we know Queensland will be determined to avoid a clean sweep when they play here in Newcastle next Wednesday.
“I would like to thank the Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his advocacy to bring this historic match to Newcastle. Up the Blues!”
The State of Origin match will be held with all relevant COVID Safe protocols in place and with NSW Police monitoring and enforcing Public Health Order restrictions.
The ground capacity will be 75 per cent seated capacity on the night, meaning up to 20,000 people can watch the teams battle it out.
The New South Wales Blues are looking to be the first team to notch a 3-0 series clean sweep since Queensland Maroons achieved the feat in 2010.
The Blues will also be hoping to be the first NSW team to win a series 3-0 since their coach Brad Fittler achieved the feat as a player more than two decades ago in 2000.

Fine-free libraries offer more for members

A fines-free initiative introduced to support library members during COVID-19 has been extended indefinitely by City of Newcastle.
Fines for overdue library loans were temporarily suspended as part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP), which was announced on 20 March last year as part of a targeted response to the growing impacts of COVID-19.
Fines are seen as a barrier to membership for some of the most disadvantaged members of the community, creating unnecessary stress and discouraging them from engaging with the wide variety of free resources on offer at our libraries.
But since the onset of the pandemic and the removal of the overdue fees, membership at Newcastle Libraries has risen by more than 7,500 people.
The success of the fines-free concept has led to its long-term continuation, creating another incentive for people to sign up to become members.
City of Newcastle and Newcastle Libraries prioritise customer-centred services and positive member experiences, with greater access, increased services and additional ways to connect.
Fees for lost and damaged items continue to apply.
Membership is free and open to anyone who lives, works or regularly travels in the Newcastle region. Find out more about becoming a member at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library or contact the Libraries team on 4974 5300.

Community reminded to comply with Public Health Orders during extended lockdown

Police across Greater Sydney are working to ensure compliance following the extension of public health orders announced by NSW Health today.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said with the extension, now is not the time for people, particularly across south-west Sydney, to become complacent.
“Additional officers will be deployed across areas of concern that have been identified, including Fairfield, Liverpool and Bankstown, to ensure the public is complying with the current orders”, Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Complaints from members of the public have led to numerous $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued each day.
About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 July 2021), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Flowerdale Road, Liverpool, after receiving information from the community that the business was still trading in breach of current health orders.
Police spoke with the owner, a 59-year-old man and a 22-year-old customer at the store receiving a haircut.
Both men were issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – individual.
In total, 75 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 37 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

$1 million reward announced for information into 1979 Luna Park fire

The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $1 million reward for information into the 1979 Luna Park fire, as Homicide Squad detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze.
About 10.15pm on Saturday 9 June 1979, emergency services were called to Luna Park at Milsons Point, following reports of a fire inside the Ghost Train ride.
Six boys and a man were killed in the blaze.
In September that year, a Coronial Inquest found the cause of the blaze could not be determined.
Over the years, investigators from across the NSW Police Force have investigated all information received in relation to the fire.
On April 2021, a formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Team established Strike Force Sedgeman and a formal review commenced.
To assist with their inquiries, NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has announced a $1 million reward for fresh and significant information into the incident.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he is confident any fresh and material information will assist detectives with their review of the case.
“Despite the passage of time, this horrific incident remains embedded in the psyche of Sydney-siders. I am appealing to those who may know something but have not previously been inclined to assist.
“You now have a million reasons to come forward. This is a very unique reward, it does not require a charge or conviction of any person, it relates to information about the Ghost Train fire.
“As soon as I met with some of the survivors earlier this year, and heard their devastating stories, I knew there was more that could be done. I stand with the family, friends, survivors and the broader community in searching for answers, and this reward should encourage anyone with fresh information to speak up,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, said police have recently demonstrated a strong record of criminal investigations and arrests for offences committed decades ago.
“I want to assure the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event, and the broader community, that if our investigators can identify a way to pursue a criminal investigation then it will happen,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“It is very important to acknowledge that any major investigation conducted in 1979 would be deficient in many respects if viewed through the lens of modern investigative and forensic practices employed by NSW Police Force in 2021.
“Our Homicide Squad investigators are exceptionally diligent and will review all aspects of the case including allegations of corruption or malpractice.
“Strike Force Sedgeman detectives will also consider any new and compelling evidence which will allow them to progress inquiries with the State Coroner and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the review will examine all available evidence obtained over the past four decades.
“Detectives attached to Strike Force Sedgeman have commenced a review of the 1979 Luna Park fire, which will take some time to complete,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“There is a significant quantity of materials that will be re-examined including documentation, video recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence.
“We know that the families who lost loved ones during this tragic fire have suffered immensely over the years, not knowing how and why their lives were cut short.
“Rest assured that if the NSW Police Force uncovers evidence to progress a criminal investigation into this historic event, then we will,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Sedgeman detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Three years of NDIS success in NSW

More than 146,000 people across NSW are now benefiting from services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years on from the full implementation of the world-leading reform.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said NSW was the first state to sign up to the NDIS, leading the nation in early trial sites and then the full rollout. The NSW Government will contribute $3.6 billion to the NDIS this year.
“Since trials of the NDIS started in the Hunter in 2013, approximately $30 billion in reasonable and necessary supports has been committed for people with disability in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NDIS gives hope and greater independence through choice over the supports people with disability receive so they can live happy and healthy lives, with opportunities for social and economic participation.
“The voices of people with a disability, their families and carers are very important to be heard with respect to the NDIS.  NSW will continue to advocate on their behalf to our Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts as we work to improve the sustainability of this important social reform.”
Of the 146,000 participants accessing the NDIS, 80,000 people are receiving supports for the first time in their lives.
More than 68,000 participants in NSW are children and young people and of them, 22,000 are zero to six-year-olds who were not born when the NDIS trials commenced.
“In additional to delivering tremendous social outcomes for people with disability, the NDIS is also strengthening our economy, driving jobs and growth for organisations across our state,” Mr Henskens said.
“There are currently more than 4,000 service providers operating in the disability sector, many of them achieving exponential growth as a result of the NDIS.”
For more information about the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au.

NSW becomes PPE manufacturing powerhouse

Ten NSW manufacturers have received a share in $5 million of NSW Government funding to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to support domestic and international markets through COVID-19 and boost local jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the grants of up to $500,000 each have enabled the production of face masks, gloves, disinfectant and medical-grade handwash and soap.
“When COVID-19 first hit last year, we realised how important it was for Australia to reduce its dependence on PPE imports and to shore up local manufacturing for our future needs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The demand for PPE remains high both here and internationally and the NSW Government is pleased to support our local businesses to pivot from their traditional practices and produce the materials desperately needed for export.
“NSW’s management of COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for innovative home-grown businesses to not only support Australian citizens with PPE, but to export these critical products to our international neighbours.
“These grants are supporting companies across NSW, including five regional businesses, to create new jobs, boost local economies and strengthen our manufacturing export capability in the longer-term.”
Envirus is a new joint venture enabled by the funding between Newcastle-based industrial PPE manufacturer Maddison Safety and wetsuit manufacturer Sharkskin International.
The funding has supported the businesses to purchase additional machinery and equipment to increase their capacity to retool and produce P2 face masks, with Sharkskin focusing on the business to customer market and Maddison Safety the business to business market.
Tim Maddison, Managing Director, Maddison Safety and Shane Holiday, Managing Director, Sharkskin International said that this is a great initiative for Australian manufacturing.
“The grant has supplemented the investment we made during the height of COVID in 2020, helping us to purchase new machinery and secure more staff and training to keep up with demand,” Mr Maddison said.
“While COVID-19 has impacted domestic business in our traditional markets Sharkskin International’s Domestic Manufacturing of PPE grant will help the business to scale-up production and further pursue international markets,” added Mr Holiday.

Congestion busting road upgrades open in Bankstown

Driver journeys through Bankstown have improved after the Stacey Street and Fairford Road upgrade opened to traffic.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the extra lane in each direction and extended right-hand turns would improve journey times along this important corridor and also have benefits for the surrounding streets.
“This work was funded by the NSW Government’s $300 million Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program, which is focused on work that eases congestion and improves journey reliability on Sydney’s key western corridors,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will notice a more efficient journey through this part of Bankstown, as well as on the streets connecting to these key arterial roads.
“With construction works now complete, people should drive to the standard speed limit and follow the directions of traffic signs.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the upgrades would help streamline traffic, bust congestion and assist drivers when having to cross traffic.
“It’s great for traffic flow because this upgrade has provided an additional lane in each direction between Macauley Avenue and Stanley Street. It has also seen an extended right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Stanley Street and an additional right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Macauley Avenue.
“A new bus lane will further assist traffic turning right from Macauley Avenue on to Fairford Road,” Mr Ayres said.
A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed at Salvia Avenue while the existing pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Stacey Street and Macauley Avenue has been relocated from the southern to the northern side of the intersection.
Transport for NSW has thanked nearby residents, Canterbury Bankstown Council and the entire community for their goodwill, patience and support over the life of this project.

Charges laid after alleged fail to stop crash – Cessnock

A man has been charged after allegedly failing to stop and assist after a crash in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
Shortly after 3pm (Tuesday 6 July 2021), emergency services were called to the intersection of Cooper and King Streets, Cessnock, following reports a Holden Rodeo and a motorcycle had collided.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District attended; however, the rider had fled prior to police arrival.
The Holden driver, a 43-year-old woman, was uninjured.
Soon after, police responded to reports an injured man had attended a business on Vincent Street, seeking assistance for head injuries.
The man left prior to police attendance and following inquiries, officers located and arrested a 26-year-old man a short distance away at a home on Cumberland Street.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard with head and leg injuries and abrasions.
He has since been charged with nine offences, including:

  • Resist officer in execution of duty (x2),
  • Not stop vehicle when directed to do so,
  • Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous,
  • Not give particulars to other driver,
  • Never licensed person drive vehicle on road,
  • Use unregistered vehicle on road or road related area,
  • Use uninsured motor vehicle on road, and,
  • Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

Three outstanding warrants were also executed.
The Abermain man was refused bail and remains in hospital, he is due to face Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 7 July 2021).